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Connecticut May Bring Back Tolls

Northbound I-95 in Stamford, CT. Some lawmakers want to return tolls to I-95.

More than 25 years after Connecticut got rid of tolls along its highways, plans are under consideration to bring them back.

The state’s General Assembly Transportation Committee has on its agenda various plans, including charging more at peak travel times, all in an effort to raise more money for road and other transportation projects.

The plan would affect Interstate 84 and I-95.

In exchange, however, it would reduce the state’s fuel tax.

A public hearing on the matter was set for Monday.

Opponents of resurrecting tolls say this would create backups along busy routes and point to the state’s decision to do away with them in 1985 after a big-rig crashed into several cars at a toll booth line, killing seven.

State lawmakers have considered plans to bring tolls back in recent years only to have seen them defeated. This most recent effort would most likely use the E-Z Pass election toll collection system if legislation is passed and signed into law.

In an interview with WCBS radio in New York City, state Senator Scott Frantz explained why he supports having tolls again, saying it’s about needed money, but steps can be taken to ensure highway safety